Seed preparation

[Grasswing]

Hello everybody,

Just a small question. I've got seeds of Euterpe, Syagrus and Oenocarpus. Do you think I should remove the fibers which surround the seeds? In my opinion I should remove it, does it prevent mold?

[Eric F]

I find Euterpe to be very difficult to keep fungus off of. I would leave the fibres as long as they are clean.

You may want to try cleaning the seeds with a long soak in pectinase. You can pick this up at a home brewing store. Certainly there must be some of those stores in the Czeck Republic It will remove the sugars from the pulp while leaving the protective fibres in place. I used it quite successfully to clean 5000 Hyophorbe verschaffeltii seeds without going insane.

Best of luck!

[Grasswing]

Thanks, I will remove it. I've got those seeds from Philippe, they are very fresh so I think they will germinate fast.

[cobra2326]

Andrew, I agree with Eric that it would probably be best to leave the fibers on, unless you're just talking about the soft outer fruit (mesocarp), which should probably be removed. I usually soak my seeds in a product called Physan 20 for 15 minutes to prevent fungus, but I've heard of others using hydrogen peroxide or other treatments like fungicide. I also soak the sphagnum that I put into the bags with the same product to prevent anything from coming in on it.

Here's a link that should provide plenty of info: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep238 (EDIS: Palm Seed Germination)

One last thing, I've noticed that seeds that were either damaged or inviable have MUCH higher likelihood of getting fungus or other growth than fresh, viable seeds. Just an observation...

[doranakandawatta]

Andrew,

I would keep most of the fibers on Euterpe and Oenocarpus, and as you wrote, these seeds are fresh so it should germinate.

The next step is how your seedlings will grow!!!??? and which soil you'll use....

Did you eat the red fruit on Areca concinna?

Regards

Philippe

[Grasswing]

Hello Philippe,

no I didn't

First time I opened the packet it smelled horribly.

What soil do you recommend? Now they are in cocopeat.

Regards Andrew